Republic of Ireland - Germany preview: The boys in Green look to shock the World Champions

Thursday evening sees Republic of Ireland play host to the World Cup winners Germany for the penultimate game of the 2016 European Championship qualifiers, with the home side looking to move a step closer to France next summer.

Martin O'Neil's men sit third in the group after two wins last month over Gibraltar and Georgia respectively and now sit just two points off automatic qualification for the tournament in June. The boys in Green took full advantage of Scotland's mistakes after the Tartan Army suffered back-to-back defeats against Georgia and Germany last month.

The hosts will be fully aware of results in Glasgow as Scotland host Poland in another crucial game in Group D. If Scotland fail to get a single point in their match over Poland, Ireland will be guaranteed to finish at least third - which will give them a place in the play-offs (something they went through before qualifying for the 2012 tournament.)

The Germans had a poor start to Group D after getting one point from just two games against Poland and Ireland. They suffered defeat in Poland on the opening match of the group, but a late John O'Shea goal in Gelsenkirchen helped the Irish have a memorable night in Germany. However, the visitors have been in pulsating form since then winning five games on the bounce in the group and sit at the top.

Several doubts for the Irish

Martin O'Neil has already been handed several injury headaches to deal with ahead of the crucial qualifier in Dublin with Everton defender Seamus Coleman likely to miss out after playing no part in Sunday's Merseyside derby, but Martin O'Neil has confirmed that he should be fit to play Poland on Sunday. Defenders Marc Wilson and Ciaran Clark are also expected to sit out of Thursdays match with injuries.

Robbie Keane has met up with his international teammates and is also expected to play despite becoming a father a few days ago. Assistant manager Roy Keane has already confirmed that unless his striker is 'breastfeeding' the LA Galaxy player will play against Germany.

Wes Hoolahan, who has enjoyed a strong start to the Premier League season with Norwich, is fit after suffering a bruised heel and Cyrus Christie is also available but Glen Whelan and James McClean are suspended for the visit of Germany.

Germans coming with intent

Bernd Leno has been rewarded after a strong start in goal with Bayer Leverkusen with a international call up, but despite his strong efforts, is likely to play no part in Thursday's game in Dublin. Former Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has been ruled out with a swollen ankle and will also sit out of Germany's last away game of the group. Bayer Leverkusen winger Karim Bellarabi is a doubt with a shoulder problem, but Joachim Low will have a strong set of players for the trip to Ireland.

Joachim Low has already admitted that his players are not coming to Dublin to get that one point they need to guarantee a place in next summers tournament in France, the manager intends to come back to Germany with all three points.